Earwax: it’s something we don’t really give much thought to. According to the NHS, earwax usually just falls out on its own. However, some people still attempt to clean out their ears at home on a regular basis – something all audiologists say we should try to avoid doing.

“General showering and hair washin g may help to wash away the wax. Other than that, wax will generally work its way out of the ear canal naturally and not require additional intervention unless it becomes impacted,” Duncan Collet-Fenson, head audiologist and managing director of Aston Hearing.

However, an excessive build-up of earwax may cause infection or hearing loss. Collet-Fenson notes that impacted ear wax may be the cause of severe pain in one or both of your ears, fluid or drainage from the ears, an odour coming from your ears, feeling dizzy, persistent hearing loss or hearing a persistent ringing noise.

While professional help is the best approach, it may not be possible at the moment. So, we spoke to audiologists about the best way to clean out earwax at home – and why you should never reach for a cotton bud.

How to clean your ears properly: audiologists share their tips, from the best way to clean out earwax to why you should avoid cotton buds